Graduation? Check. Next stop? The future Massabesic High School celebrates accomplishments of 234 graduates

By Ellen W. Todd

Sanford News Writer

Thursday, June 13, 2013

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Valedictorian Emma Faith, Salutatorian John Secunde and Honor Essayist Jacqueline Stolo look on as fellow members of MHS's Class of 2013 prepare to receive their diplomas at the school's June 6 graduation. (photo by Ellen W. Todd)

PORTLAND — Family members and friends nearly filled the seats on the floor and the bleachers at the Portland Expo to bear witness as the 234 members of Massabesic High School's Class of 2013 marked the end of one era and the beginning of another.

Following the traditional entrance to the strains of Elgar's “Pomp and Circumstance,” Brian Wardwell, a member of the graduating class and an accomplished singer, sang the national anthem, “a cappella.”

“He's just one example of the many talents we have in this class,” said MHS Principal Christian Elkington following the enthusiastic applause.

Elkington asked different groups of students to stand and be recognized as he announced their accomplishments or their future plans. First were the students entering the armed forces “this fall, this summer or in a few days,” then those who had earned certificates in a four-year vocational program at the Sanford Regional Technical Center, then those who had earned certificates in a two-year program at SRTC, those who would be going directly into the job market, those who will continue their studies in a one- or two-year education program, and those who will attend a four-year college or university.

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Beach balls, confetti and streamers fly overhead as Massabesic High School seniors are officially declared graduates at the school’s June 6 graduation ceremony at the Portland Expo. (photo by Ellen W. Todd)

Assistant Principal John Morin announced the scholarships and awards to members of the Class of 2013 who plan to continue their education. Morin said the graduates have been awarded more than $95,000 in scholarships, most of it from area businesses, organizations and individuals. Among the scholarships awarded were eight Casey D. Irish Scholarships. Irish, who was killed in a car accident in 2010, was a member of the class of 2013.

The faculty bowl — the only award presented at graduation — is awarded by the Massabesic High School faculty to a member of the graduating class who most embodies the qualities of leadership, citizenship and dedication.

“This person is a leader in the truest sense,” said teacher Mim Myers-Burch, as she announced that Katherine Sobonik was the recipient of this year's faculty bowl.

As the honor essayist, Jacqueline Stolo was first student speaker to address her classmates. Stolo reflected on what had happened in the world during the years they had been in high school.

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Members of Massabesic High School’s Class of 2013 sing their class song as they celebrate their status as graduates. At left is foreign exchange student Klara Blazejovska and in front of her are Regan Adams and Erica Guimond. (photo by Ellen W. Todd)

“We have watched this world lose its unity,” she said, citing ongoing military engagements in foreign countries and the recent bombing at the Boston Marathon.

“It's difficult to view the world as a safe and prosperous place,” she said, “but we need to.

“We need to believe in good,” she continued, “the good of people and the good inside ourselves.”

She urged her classmates to make a difference in the world, to “pay it forward” by doing things like giving blood, donating time to a soup kitchen or donating clothes to those who need them.

“Everyone can do something,” she said. “We can all be a little nicer.”

Salutatorian John Secunde called high school a “four-year orientation for the rest of our lives” and a time when “we figure out where we want to go, what we want to do.”

Secunde spoke to his classmates about learning who they are and then being the best they can be.

“We only have one chance to make a positive mark on this world,” he said, “so do something to make it worth living in ...”

A musician, Secunde recalled some advice he learned from “an amazing conductor” two years ago.

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Student Christina Calvert (at right) declares her belief on her mortarboard at Massabesic High School’s graduation on June 6. Next to her is classmate Brianna Durkan. (photo by Ellen W. Todd)

“If you take anything away from my disparate ramblings, let it be this,” he said, “Find something you love and do it. We only have this one life.”

Despite her assertion that she “can barely cook pasta without burning it,” never mind give life advice, valedictorian Emma Faith offered her classmates words of advice based on quotes they had probably heard frequently, mixed with humor.

“There's nothing to fear but fear itself, and spiders — big, hairy spiders,” she began. “Sometimes, though, you have to just deal with the spider,” she said, because your mom won't always be there to get rid of it for you.

“I may not know much about the world out there, but I've listened to what other people have said,” Faith said, summing up her advice: “Don't be afraid of everything, stand up for yourself, be careful what you put out there, don't do stupid stuff, make memories, follow you heart but don't neglect your head, love the ones you're with, and pick your battles.”